It might have been a nervy end for Liverpool to see off Southampton in a 2-1 victory within the EFL Cup, however they acquired fairly a gift at Anfield on Tuesday. Alexander Isak scored his first aim in a Liverpool shirt, one which could not have come at a greater time for the reason that Reds will want extra out of him ahead of later attributable to Hugo Ekitike selecting up a crimson card, which can see him miss their weekend match towards Crystal Palace.
Supervisor Arne Slot has been taking issues slowly with Isak since his switch saga noticed him miss the preseason and league matches with Newcastle United, however the Swedish striker has now began two matches for Liverpool whereas additionally coming off the bench within the Merseyside derby. With 126 minutes beneath his belt now, Isak is moving into match form at simply the proper time.
He’ll rating harder targets for Liverpool throughout his profession, however the hardest aim to attain for a staff is the primary one as a result of stress that comes with it. Having the ability to capitalize on poor play from Southampton to attain was simply what the physician ordered. A poor move out of the again was intercepted by Federico Chiesa, who acquired the ball to Isak within the center for a end that he would not miss.
The match then devolved into insanity with Southampton equalizing within the 76th minute through Shea Charles. The Liverpool protection has now conceded in three consecutive matches, as it doesn’t matter what occurs, they’re good at giving up a aim as Slot will get settled into his rotations. Eikitike scored the winner within the eighty fifth minute, however, already on a yellow card, he took his shirt off to rejoice the aim. That is an automated yellow card, which led to a crimson and his dismissal.
Not solely did that give Southampton time to push for a late equalizer, however it leaves Slot’s aspect thinner for the weekend. Liverpool’s subsequent three matches will see them journey away to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea, which might already require rotation. With out Ekitike for the weekend, it signifies that Isak virtually has to begin that match since Cody Gakpo has been most popular on the wing.
Palace have, proven their enchancment beneath Oliver Glasner, so it will likely be removed from a straightforward match because the Reds look to proceed their good begin to the season. There has by no means been a boring second with what the Reds have to supply and so they’ll want extra gamers to step up as matches are coming sooner and sooner. Expectations are excessive for the membership and so they’ll want Isak at his finest to achieve them.
